Romance Blossoms as Chae Jong-hyeop Vows to Protect Lee Sung-kyung in 'The Shining Season'

Chae Jong-hyeop declares his intention to protect Lee Sung-kyung, who has closed her heart due to trauma, marking the beginning of a new romance.

On the October 27th episode of MBC's 'The Shining Season' (directed by Jeong Sang-hee, Kim Young-jae/written by Jo Sung-hee), the story unfolded as Sun Woo-chan (played by Chae Jong-hyeop) and Song Ha-ran (played by Lee Sung-kyung) shared their pains and became 'three-month limited friends.'

In this episode, Sun Woo-chan recalled a moment when he almost made an extreme choice due to conflicts with his father, Sun Woo-seok (played by Jung Hae-kyun), who opposed his artistic pursuits. It was Song Ha-ran's warm message that reignited his will to live.

Determined to bring spring back into Song Ha-ran's life during his three-month stay in Korea, Sun Woo-chan approached her. However, Song Ha-ran, fearful of getting close to anyone, coldly rejected his kindness and tried to keep her distance.

Seeing Sun Woo-chan as an unexpected variable in her life, Song Ha-ran felt uncomfortable and even declared her withdrawal from a work project to avoid him. Yet, fate intervened when she almost got hit by a motorcycle, and Sun Woo-chan saved her, resulting in both getting injured.

Despite being injured because of her, Song Ha-ran lashed out at Sun Woo-chan, demanding an end to their relationship. However, Sun Woo-chan apologized and offered to leave so she could rest, shaking her resolve. Later, during a work visit to a palace, Song Ha-ran heard a voice resembling her late mother's and broke down in tears. Sun Woo-chan comforted her warmly, leading her to confess the past trauma of losing both parents.

Encouraged by Sun Woo-chan's sincere comfort, Song Ha-ran asked if his offer of a three-month neighborhood friendship was still valid and extended her hand first. She expressed her desire to learn how to escape the long winter that trapped her, agreeing to the limited-time contract. Sun Woo-chan, delighted, asked if he could openly be kind to her, creating an exciting atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Song Ha-dam (played by Oh Ye-ju) surprised her family by announcing an early marriage to baseball player Cha Yoo-gyeom (played by Kim Tae-young), and Song Ha-young (played by Han Ji-hyun) engaged in a subtle rivalry with Yeon Tae-seok (played by Kwon Hyuk), adding more intrigue to the plot. Viewers are eagerly anticipating how Sun Woo-chan will melt Song Ha-ran's frozen heart in the upcoming episodes.

Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, TenAsia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr